Kaua'i County

Mental /Behavioral Health

Training on mental illness starts Sept. 6

The Oak Ridger - 8/12/2017

With Hope in Mind Training is for family and friends (the caregivers) of loved ones with mental illness.

The National Alliance on Mental Health in Oak Ridge will offer the training Wednesdays starting Sept. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be at Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge Campus, 701 Briarcliff Ave., Oak Ridge, according to a news release.

"It provides helpful information and skill training needed to cope with the difficulties associated with caring for adult relatives who are diagnosed with mental illness," according to the release. "Everyone knows a little about mental health issues; but knowing the facts can educate you and reject stigmatizing stereotypes.

They are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Understanding mental health isn't only about being able to identify symptoms and having a name for conditions, but dispelling false ideas about mental health conditions as well."

The course is free and confidential. It is two hours weekly for eight weeks, offering skill-building classes, including problem management, communication and crisis planning.

"It provides caregivers with immediate coping skills for dealing with the different cycles of each illness.

The training also helps provide appropriate practical and emotional support measures needed by the caregivers in the mental health system," the release stated.

The release stated participants will learn about the symptoms of mental illness; medications used to treat the symptoms; resources for treatment, assistance and recovery; and how to better communicate with a loved one with mental illness.